Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why was the altar made of shittim wood?
A: The altar was made of shittim (acacia) wood because it was a durable and readily available material in the wilderness. According to Rashi, the wood was overlaid with copper to withstand the heat of the sacrifices (Exodus 27:1-2). The choice of shittim wood also symbolizes humility and steadfastness, traits important in serving Hashem.
Q: What is the significance of the altar's dimensions (5x5x3 cubits)?
A: The altar's square shape (5 cubits long and wide) represents balance and completeness in divine service. The height of 3 cubits, as explained in the Talmud (Zevachim 59b), made it accessible for the Kohanim (priests) to perform the sacrifices properly. The measurements reflect divine order and the importance of precision in avodah (service to Hashem).
Q: Why was the altar called the 'altar of burnt offering'?
A: It was called the 'altar of burnt offering' (מִזְבַּח הָעֹלָה) because it was primarily used for the korban olah, a burnt offering completely consumed by fire, symbolizing total devotion to Hashem. The Rambam (Hilchot Maaseh HaKorbanot) explains that this offering atones for improper thoughts and inspires spiritual elevation.
Q: How does the altar's construction apply to us today?
A: Though we no longer have the Mishkan's physical altar, the Midrash (Tanchuma Terumah 8) teaches that our prayers replace sacrifices. The altar's dimensions remind us to serve Hashem with structure (regular prayer times), balance (duties to G-d and others), and humility (like the wood's simplicity). The copper overlay also symbolizes refining our character through challenges.
Q: What does 'foursquare' (רָבוּעַ) mean in this verse?
A: The term 'foursquare' (רָבוּעַ) means the altar was perfectly square, with equal length and width. The Talmud (Eruvin 23b) derives from this that sacred items in the Mishkan required symmetry, reflecting the perfection of Hashem's commandments. This shape also alludes to the four directions, showing that holiness should emanate universally.
The Construction of the Mizbeach HaOlah
The verse describes the dimensions and materials of the Mizbeach HaOlah (Altar of Burnt Offering), which was constructed from shittim wood (acacia wood) and measured five cubits in length and width, forming a square, with a height of three cubits. This altar was central to the sacrificial service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle).
Material: Shittim Wood
Rashi (Exodus 27:1) explains that the use of shittim wood was significant because it was readily available in the wilderness, demonstrating that Hashem does not impose unreasonable demands on Bnei Yisrael. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 35:2) adds that the shittim tree is resilient and enduring, symbolizing the eternal nature of the Jewish people and their service to Hashem.
Dimensions: Symbolism of the Measurements
The Altar's Function and Spiritual Significance
The Mizbeach HaOlah was the primary site for korbanot (offerings), facilitating atonement and connection with Hashem. The Talmud (Zevachim 59b) teaches that the altar's construction reflects the idea that divine service must be precise and intentional, mirroring the meticulousness required in avodat Hashem (service of G-d). The Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 2:1-2) further elaborates that the altar's dimensions were divinely ordained to align with the spiritual structure of the universe.
Connection to the Mishkan's Holiness
The Midrash Tanchuma (Terumah 11) highlights that the Mizbeach HaOlah's placement in the courtyard of the Mishkan signifies its role as a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms. Its square shape, as the Maharal (Gur Aryeh, Exodus 27:1) explains, represents the integration of the four directions of the world, uniting all of creation in divine service.